Featured News

MDC community forester encourages Missourians to get outside this summer

CAPE GIRARDEAU, Mo. — The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) is encouraging Missourians of all ages to reconnect with nature this summer by exploring the state’s incredible outdoor spaces. Whether you’re hiking forest trails, fishing in quiet lakes, paddling scenic rivers, or just enjoying a walk in your local conservation area, getting outside can refresh your […]

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Able Flight, SIU Aviation offers the sky to student pilots with disabilities

by Pete Rosenbery CARBONDALE, Ill. — There are comparable skill sets that a trauma nurse and pilot must possess. Brandi Fields knows one and is quickly learning the other as one of five students in Southern Illinois University Carbondale’s 2025 Able Flight program hosted by SIU Aviation.     (Above) Able Flight student Brandi Fields

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West Nile Virus specimens confirmed in 17 Illinois counties

SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is reminding the public that along with the start of summer, mosquito season is underway in Illinois. With this comes the risk of West Nile virus (WNV), which has been confirmed from environmental samples in 17 counties around the state so far this year. The reminder comes

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July 4th at Kaskaskia will focus on the Liberty Bell of the West

CHESTER – The celebration on July 4th, 2025, at Kaskaskia, Ill., will again proudly present the LIBERTY BELL OF THE WEST as an honored 1741 historic 650 pound bell that rang in liberty to the Illinois Country when in 1778 George Rogers Clark and his Long Knives arrived and captured the British garrison stationed there. 

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16 students complete Memorial Hospital Babysitting Class

CHESTER – On June 17, 16 students completed the Child and Babysitting Safety Class at Memorial Hospital in Chester. They gained essential skills to become responsible and trusted caregivers.     Newly Certified Babysitters: Emma Bogard, Sophia Bogard, Gracelynn Cole, Reese Ebers, Josie Fisher, Kaylee Gerlach, Hailey Jaimet, Harper Jany, Elora Keyser, Lucas Maes, Camron

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MDC, Mineral Area College partner for invasive Callery pear tree removal

PARK HILLS, Mo. – The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has partnered with Mineral Area College in Park Hills for the recent removal of invasive Callery pear trees on-campus, through MDC’s Community Conservation Cost-Share program.     Mineral Area College in Park Hills (shown here) before the removal of invasive Callery pear trees on-campus, through MDC’s

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SIU to host Juneteenth event on July 1

by Christi Mathis CARBONDALE, Ill. — Southern Illinois University Carbondale will host a special campus and community event on July 1 in recognition of Juneteenth. Last year’s participants in the Dr. Seymour Bryson Future Scholars Program conduct a service project. Photo by Amihere Benson “Who’s Who at Southern Illinois University: Past, Present and Future” is set

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MDC reminds public frogging season begins June 30

JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. – Get outside and discover nature this summer during frogging season! The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) reminds the public that frogging season begins June 30 at sunset and runs through Oct. 31. Anyone with a fishing permit or small game hunting permit may go frogging for bullfrogs and green frogs. The daily

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